Trip winners turned drug mules feared ruin

A Perth couple who were unwittingly conned into becoming multi-million dollar drug mules after winning a dream trip to Canada feared they could have spent the rest of their lives in prison.

The elaborate con duped the couple by taking them to Canada as 'winners' of an all-expenses paid trip, which included accommodation and new luggage.

But after a dream week in North America, the couple became suspicious about their bags on their return to Western Australia and reported themselves to Customs.

Australian Customs discovered $7 million worth of methamphetamine in rock form in the luggage, with 3.5kg of the drug found hidden inside each case.

The 64-year-old woman, who only wants to be known as Sue, said they were looking online for a holiday, and after entering an online competition she was contacted.

"Be very careful if you win anything," Sue said.

"I could have ended up in jail for 25 years, and they could have ruined my life.

"So be very wary, be very careful and check everything out."

The AFP will allege their luggage was swapped while in Canada, with the couple having no clue they were then being duped into carrying the drugs home.

The couple were due to be met on arrival, which set AFP officers into an investigation that led to a search warrant of a car and a room in Scarborough, where documents related to the con, more bags similar to the ones seized, and $15,000 in cash were found.

A 38-year-old Canadian man was arrested at Perth airport, and has subsequently been charged with drug importation offences.

He has already appeared in a Perth court, and will appear again later this year.

David Bachi, the AFP's Perth Airport Commander, said the alleged scam was one of the most elaborate federal officers had ever come across.

"The organisers of this scam went to great lengths to provide a facade of legitimacy. Thankfully the travellers contacted Customs and didn't dismiss their concerns, allowing us to make the arrest," said Mr Bachi.

"We will continue working with local and international law enforcement partners, targeting all elements of this drug syndicate."

Mr Bachi said the scam - through a bogus Canadian tour company called 'AusCan Tours' - appeared to be targeting older Australians.

The Canadian-based website has now been shut down.

"Any persons who have been contacted with similar offers of travel should contact the AFP immediately," Mr Bachi said.

Jan Hill, the Director of Customs' Airport Operations in Perth, warned travellers about carrying luggage on behalf of someone else, no matter what the circumstance.

"If you've been asked to carry something on behalf of another person, make the right choice and alert local authorities," Ms Hill said.

"Do not allow another person to pack your bag and do not carry luggage on behalf of another person."